Method of manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode array

Abstract

Polymer materials form electrode array bodies for neural stimulation, especially for retinal stimulation to create vision. The method lays down a polymer layer. Apply a metal layer to the polymer and pattern to create electrodes and leads. Apply a second polymer layer over the metal layer and pattern to leave openings for electrodes. The array and its supply cable are a single body. A method for manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode array, is: deposit a metal trace layer on an insulator polymer base layer; apply a layer of photoresist on the metal trace layer and pattern the metal trace layer and form metal traces on the insulator polymer base layer; activate the insulator polymer base layer and deposit a top insulator polymer layer and form a single insulating polymer layer with the base insulator polymer layer; wherein the insulator polymer layers are heated at 80-150° C. and then at 230-350° C.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Application No. 60 / 772,099, “Flexible Circuit Electrode Array and Method of Manufacturing the Same,” filed Feb. 10, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant No. R24EY12893-01, which has been awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is generally directed to a flexible circuit electrode array especially for biomedical implants, especially implantable medical devices, such as retinal prosthesis and a method of manufacturing the flexible circuit electrode array.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,970 “Striate Cortex Stimulator” to Giles Skey Brindley et al. an implantable device i...

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